Safe Winter Driving Tips

Driving during winter weather and road conditions requires extra caution and preparedness to increase your safety and minimize risk. Following a few basic tips will help you and your passengers arrive safely at your destination.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

  • Install four winter tires on your vehicle. The tread design and rubber compound of a winter tire differs from all-season tires,  improving traction and reducing stopping distance on snow and ice.
  • Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition. Wipers designed for winter are best. Keep the washer fluid reservoir adequately filled with winter washer fluid.
  • Try to keep your gas tank at least half full at all times.
  • Keep an emergency winter kit in your vehicle. Some useful items include, blanket, winter clothing, booster cables, portable shovel, flashlight, and a non-perishable emergency food supply ( nuts, dried fruit and protein bars work well).

Winter Driving

  • Adjust your driving according to road and weather conditions. Slow down and allow greater stopping distances. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
  • Avoid quick acceleration, hard braking and abrupt turns. All of these actions risk the loss of traction and steering control.
  • Before driving, take time to properly defrost and clean your vehicle of snow including headlights and tail lights. You will see better and others will see you better.
  • Drive with your headlights and tail lights on at all times. (Daytime running lights will not illuminate tail lights on most vehicle models).
  • Watch for snow plows, sanders and other road maintenance equipment. Give them space to safely perform their jobs.
  • Obey closed road signs. Roads are closed for your safety. Travelling on closed roadways may also void your vehicle insurance coverage.
  • The safest option is to avoid travel during poor weather and road conditions unless absolutely necessary.

Enjoy a safe and happy holiday!

Vince Wurfel, Supervisor
Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation Police

Posted in Post Archives and tagged , , .